2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato: One-off special unveiled

The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato has been revealed as a one-off special.

It follows celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the collaboration between Zagato, a Milan-based coachbuilder, and Alfa Romeo, with the first model being the 1921 Tipo G1.

The custom vehicle started as a Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan, with customisations including a shortened wheelbase, a bespoke two-door carbon fibre body, Tonale headlights, and a twin-turbo V6 sourced from the GTAm with a six-speed manual transmission.

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Up front, the Giulia SWB Zagato combines new and old design elements with inspiration from the Alfa Romeo SZ (1989-91). These include three-point LED headlights borrowed from the recently-launched Tonale small SUV, a carbon fibre splitter, and a prominent air vent on the bonnet.

Along the side, there's a triangular Quadrifoglio badge, a Zagato emblem, hidden door handles, and five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels sourced from the GTAm.

The rear design, meanwhile, is said to be influenced by the 1963-67 Giulia TZ, while the GTAm's large rear spoiler has been removed for a sleeker look.

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Under the bonnet, the twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 produces 398kW and 600Nm – in line with the GTAm – however, the six-speed manual available on the Quadrifoglio in European markets has been retained.

Inside, the vehicle retains the Giulia's layout with a few unique elements: green accents, carbon fibre door cards, a two-seat configuration, and carbon fibre front bucket seats with a 'Z' emblem on the headrests.

While Aston Martin's design team supported the project, the one-off Giulia SWB was developed and produced by Zagato "without external support".

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Its design was led by Alejandro Mesonero, the head of Alfa Romeo's design centre, who said: "The result is a car that fits perfectly into the historical path of the two marques where the first objective was and is to combine beauty with performance."

"The philosophy of this new 2023 SZ is that of the 1960s, with a body driven by simplicity, aerodynamics and lightness," he added.

"The new SZ offers a dynamic, simple body, where long lines run from the front to the rear where creating 'a strong but discreet muscularity at the same time."

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"We are extremely satisfied with the collaboration we had throughout this period with Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, the teamwork was perfect, also with the Marketing and Communication department. It has been an exhilarating experience that has confirmed how the combination of Alfa Romeo and Zagato is an absolute classic of collecting," said Zagato CEO, Zed Milano.

The sole 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato is destined for a German customer, who was selected from a number of Zagato customers owing to his range of limited Alfa Romeos, including the 8C Competizione.

While the coachbuilder hasn't revealed a final price tag, it is likely to be quite expensive due to its extensive modifications, including the two-door carbon fibre body.